INSIDE THIS ISSUE Getting Fit
Serving It Up
Tango To The Top
Nutrient Rich
New membership prices have been implemented at North, Wolfson and Kendall’s Wellness Centers.
Ex Cuban-national volleyball team member joins MDC sharks after fleeing her homeland.
MDC students made top ten on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent.
Advice on how to maintain a wellbalanced diet during your busy college lifestyle.
TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 5
TURN TO SPORTS, PAGE 11
TURN TO A&E, PAGE 13
TURN TO FORUM, PAGE 14
4VOL. 2, ISSUE 3—SEPT. 19, 2011 VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER
THEFT
Money Missing From North Campus PTK
September 11
A Decade LATER
Miami Dade College held remembrance ceremonies for September 11’s tenth anniversary at all eight campuses on Sept. 8 and 9. TURN TO PAGES 8 and 9 FOR A SPECIAL REPORT
Funds were reported missing from North Campus’ Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Epsilon Chapter on Sept. 6 after money was left unattended. By Mark Pulaski mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net More than $800 was reported missing from the office of Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Epsilon Chapter, according to Sgt. Geraldy Figaro of the Miami Dade College North Campus Public Safety Department. Stolen were $841 dollars left inside an envelope stored in a desk in the honor society’s office located in Room 4210, public safety officials said. No forced entry is believed to have occurred. “Unfortunately there was a theft from the Phi Theta Kappa office,” PTK adviser Nora Dawkins said. “The incident is being handled in accordance with college policies and procedures, and measures are being taken to enhance the security of the organization.” The incident was reported to public safety on Sept. 6, according to the College’s public safety log. “The only thing this will do is show the mistakes of PTK,” said the group’s treasurer Heriberto Gallo when reached for comment by The Reporter. “Do not contact me for this again.” Marcela Bermudez, the PTK president at North Campus, did not respond to an email from The Reporter concerning the matter. It is unknown why the funds were left unattended. Evelyn Rodriguez, North Campus Student Life director said all organizations must deposit any fund-raised monies at the bursar’s office the same day. If the bursar’s office is closed, they are to deposit it the next work day. “Although they need to make a deposit, they can hold petty cash money to buy supplies for the next fundraiser,” Rodriguez said. “The amount of petty cash withheld is to the discretion of the student and the adviser.” It is still unclear what PTK’s petty cash threshold is. Dawkins says that the group will use this incident as a learning experience. “[This was] a lesson that has made us more determined to work even harder to support our college, our community and our peers,” Dawkins said. Monique O. Madan contributed to this report.
INDEX: PLEASE RECYCLE
BRIEFING
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MONIQUE O. MADAN / THE REPORTER
Stronger than Steel: Hialeah’s Honor Guard participated in the unveiling of two World Trade Center steel artifacts at Miami Dade College’s North Campus on Friday, Sept. 9. In honor of September 11, the artifacts will remain on the campus and serve as a memorial in the building 4 rotunda and at the School of Fire Science.
VENDING MACHINES
Machines Cause Headaches On Campus Students and staff looking for a quick snack at Miami Dade College have on occasion encountered some issues. The College disburses about 300 refund vouchers a week, according to the vending machine company.
Voucher: This is the kind of voucher students are given when vending machines malfunction.
By Monique O. Madan monique.madan001@mymdc.net Marie Elysee, a 21-year-old North Campus student, was rushing to class on Sept. 13 when a vending machine in building 4 refused to dispense the soda she paid for. “It’s the only dollar I had in my pocket. I put my money in and got no drink. When I dialed the help-line number on the machine, no one answered,” Elysee said. “I left my name and phone number and no one returned my call. Do you know how thirsty I was? And no, they still haven’t returned my call.” Stories like Elysee’s are not uncommon. On average, college-wide, Miami Dade College disburses about 300 refund NEWS
5,7-9
vouchers a week, according to Gilda Rosenberg, president and owner of Gilly Vending, the company that operates 195 machines at the College. The machines carry a variety of items including sodas, potato chips, ice cream bars, coffee and candy bars. When a customer has a problem with a machine, they can go to the bursar’s office, sign a log, and retrieve a refund voucher. Vouchers are shaped like dollar bills and entitle customers to “one free vend.”
SPORTS
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A&E
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“Vending machines are supposed to be a quick in and out, and if you’re in a rush you just got to go,” said Jonathan Alvarez, a 23-year-old student at Kendall Campus. “I don’t have time to go to the bursar’s office. If I’m hungry, broke and in a hurry, you best believe I’m going to be in a bad mood.” According to Hannibal Burton, the College’s operations manager, each campus is given 150 refund vouchers, weekly. Fifty TURN TO vending, PAGE 5
FORUM
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Kendall Campus Hosts 100 Thousand Poets For Change
Miami Dade College Night at Miami Art Museum
Six Students Awarded To Study Abroad in China
100 Thousand Poets for Change, a poetry demonstration taking place worldwide, will host an event at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus on Sept. 24 will have an event hosted at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus,11011 S.W. 104 St., Room K-413, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The MDC event will be co-hosted by Sylvia Rivas, a speech tutor, and English professor Carolina Hospital. “It’s a world-wide movement crying out for peace, sustainability, and change of important issues on a local level,” Rivas said. The event is free and open to the public. The poems will revolve around the themes of peace, sustainability, or any other local issues such as racism and ethnic prejudice.
Miami Dade College students are invited to the Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler Street, on Sept. 22 from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. to participate in tours and art activities in celebration of Brazilian artist, Rivane Neuenschwander. Neuenschwander’s exhibition, A Day Like Any Other, has been on display at MAM since July 17. She is known for her constant portrayal of cycles and circle-shaped objects such as eggs, moons, constellations, cascading zeros, and trickles of water. The exhibition closes Oct. 16. The event is free for MDC students with valid student I.D.
Six Miami Dade College students were awarded the Confucius Institute Scholarship, an opportunity to study abroad in China. The one-year scholarship includes full tuition, room and board and living expenses. Students will attend Xuzhou Normal University, MDC’s sister university in China, and study Mandarin, Chinese culture, and other related areas of study. “These students were awarded the most prestigious award the school offers,” said Jim Yu, Confucius Institute Director at MDC. “I’m very proud of our students for this incredible achievement.” Scholarship awardees include: Yaacov Moshe of InterAmerican Campus, and Sean O’Connell, Dayvis Cortes, Nicolas Lucas Gallo, Alejandro Gustavo Mendez, and Ernesto Monge all from Wolfson Campus.
—Maria A. Moscoso
—Igor Argibay For more information, contact: MAM-education@miamiartmuseum.org
Kendall Hosts PANNAROMA Exhibition
For more information contact: Sylvia Maltzman Rivas T (305) 384-8528 B sylviamzz@yahoo.com
MDC Launches Online Career Help Miami Dade College’s advisement and career services is providing students with a new Web-based career help service called Optimal Resume and Career Coach. It allows students to match careers with their majors, as well as helping them identify career path, create resumes, write cover letters, and create a Web page that profiles the student’s abilities and what they can offer to the job market. “[It’s] an electronic job board, like that of Career Builder and Monster. com, with the only difference that it is solely for MDC students,” said North Campus career services codirector Fredric Toney.
The Martin and Pat Fine Center for the Arts at Kendall Campus, 1101 SW 104th St., Room M123, is hosting the PANNAROMA exhibit, which will showcase photographs shot with a Panorama 1x3 camera. The exhibit is running through Oct. 29 and is open for viewing on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photography Professor Tony Chirinos and Tulane University professor Stephen Hilger are overseeing the event. Chirinos’s photographs are also included in the exhibit. This is the second showing of the exhibit. The first was at the University of New Orleans in December 2010. —Luis A. Prieto
—Morena Guerrero For more information, visit: www.mdc.edu/main/advisement/
Meek Center Hosts Campus Safety Day Event
Prepare yourself for medical, pharmacy or dental school or a career in microbiology! Earn a degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida without leaving Miami Dade County. This off-campus program is a unique blend of online courses and live laboratory classes conducted by UF faculty at Miami Dade’s North Campus’ science complex. Same UF faculty and same UF classes as Gainesville. Spring 2012 admission's deadline is September 15 Fall 2012 admission's deadline is March 1st For more information visit our website microcell.ufl.edu/Students/offcampus Or email Adam Jordan at adamj@ufl.edu
Miami Dade College’s North Campus and Entrepreneurial Education Center Campus will be hosting their sixth annual Campus Safety Day Event at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave. in the breezeway of the 4000 building. All faculty and students are invited to attend the all day event on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Demonstrations will be made by criminal scene investigators, SWAT members, and motorcycle police officers. Throughout the day there will be informational tables from different agencies on topics such as texting and driving. In addition, topics such as domestic violence, anti-bullying, and social media predators will be discussed. —Annaliese Garcia
Service Learning Offered at Ability Explosion For the second consecutive year, in an effort to raise awareness of those with disabilities and get the community involved in a philanthropic matters, Miami Dade College will be offering both community service and service learning hours to student participants of Ability Explosion. Ability Explosion is a non-profit, week long series of events that take place from Oct. 19 through Oct. 23 with a primary focus on improving the lives of people with diverse disabilities. It will be held in South Beach. The events include a dining in the dark experience, a 5K run, street performances and comedy shows. Each event has specific costs and can be accessed and purchased via their website. —Gabriela Reyes For more information, visit: www.abilityexplosion.org
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—Brandon Lopez For more information, contact: Dr. Jim Yu T (305) 237-7581 B xyu@mdc.edu
MDC Journalism Speaker Series Kick-Off Emmy award-winning anchor Belkys Nerey of WSVN 7 will kickoff the 2011-12 season of the Miami Dade College Journalism Speaker Series on Sept. 21. The event will take place at 11 a.m. in Room 2151 at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27 Ave. Nerey is an MDC alumna. During her nine years at WSVN Channel 7, Nerey has co-anchored the pop culture driven series Deco Drive and covered major breaking news stories. She currently anchors the 5, 6, 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts. MDC’s Journalism Speaker Series was launched in February 2008. The series includes presentations from professional journalists and includes a 15 minute question and answer session. The event is free and open to the public. —Tacara Turner
New Student Life Director at Kendall Campus Leslie Wilson, former director of student engagement at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI., was recently appointed as student life director at the Kendall Campus. She replaced Anthony Fiorenza, who is now serving as Miami Dade College’s athletic director. As Director of Student Engagement, Wilson coordinated events such as new student orientation, welcome week, and homecoming. In her new position at Kendall Campus, Wilson will be overseeing the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, and other student organizations. —Alexandra Dalpe
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SEPT. 19, 2011 | BRIEFING
THE REPORTER Prometeo Theatre Dedicated to Professor Rojas
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PHOTOBRIEFING
Miami Dade College paid tribute to former theatre professor and founder of Prometeo, Teresa Maria Rojas, at a dedication event at the Prometeo Theatre at Wolfson Campus on Sept. 2. A plaque has been dedicated to Rojas and hung at the Prometeo Theatre. Rojas, who retired in 2006, dedicated 33 years to MDC and its students. She has a deep ardor for theater, and gives all the credit to her students. Rojas calls them magicians. “They were the foundation of the miracles that were created every time they stepped on the stage,” Rojas said. Rojas has an educational background in theatre and psychology. She will be releasing a memoir. No release date has been set. —Christian Portilla
MDC A Top-Ten Finalist For Aspen Prize Grant Miami Dade College has been chosen as a top ten finalist for the $1 million Aspen Prize. The Aspen Prize is directed toward advocating institution completion rates, innovative programs, and fundamental skills for life, not only the classroom. “I believe Miami Dade College has a good chance at winning because of their strong leadership, exceptional faculty and diversity,” said Juan Mendieta, director of communications at MDC. MDC is competing with 10 other colleges nationwide. The results will be announced this December.
1 GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER
—Brittany Esquijarosa
Miami Art Museum Features 9/11 ‘Aftermath’ Exhibit Miami Art Museum presents “Focus Gallery: Joel Meyerowitz – Aftermath,” an exhibition of photographs taken by the only photographer granted right-ofentry into Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The exhibit is in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. For the time span of nine months immediately after the attacks, Meyerowitz photographed “the pile,” as the World Trade Center came to be known, and the 800-plus people a day that were working in the wreckage. The exhibition consists of 24 recently-donated photographs, presented in the Focus Gallery section of the Museum’s Permanent Collection installation. The exhibit can be seen at the Miami Art Museum, 101 W Flagler St., in Downtown Miami through Nov. 6.
2 GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER
Fancy Moves: Dancers or “Danzantes Aztecas,” perform a traditional ritual dance done as a tribute to the gods in Mexico during the 200+1 Mexican Independence commemoration event at the Kendall Campus on Sept. 15. 1
3 GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER
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Viva Mexico: Carlos Bowers, a member of Mariachi Las Estrellas performs during Mexico 200+1, an event held at the Kendall Campus to commemorate more than two centuries since the country’s independence, on Sept. 15. The event, a collaboration between Miami Dade College and the Counsel General of Mexico in Miami brought food, dance and and live music. 3
—Kirsten Rincon
The Reporter
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Create YOUR FUTURE. Andrea Penoyer is not your typical working mom. After all, not all moms have their lives filmed for a reality TV show. But even with raising a son and working for the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s anti-crime unit, all the while being part of TLC’s Police Women of Broward County, she is able to pursue her second degree from BARRY UNIVERSITY. “Barry makes it possible with evening and weekend classes that are convenient for me.”
www.barry.edu/MDC
ANDREA PENOYER TLC’s Police Women of Broward County Bachelor of Public Administration, 2010 Current Master of Public Administration student
BARRY UNIVERSITY is the second-largest private, Catholic university in the Southeast • Main campus in Miami Shores, Florida, offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in: Arts and Sciences • Business • Education • Health Sciences • Human Performance and Leisure Sciences • Law • Podiatric Medicine • Public Administration • Social Work • Day, evening, and weekend classes at sites throughout Florida *Not all programs offered at all off-campus sites
SEPT. 19, 2011 | NEWS
THE REPORTER VENDING MACHINES
// NEWS Monique O. Madan, Editor-in-Chief //
T (305) 237-1253
//
B monique.madan001@mymdc.net
Snack Machines Are Causing Trouble For Students from vending, front
dollars in cash is also given to each campus to cover higher-priced items such as ice cream bars and frozen food items. Rosenberg, who has owned the business since she was 19-yearsold, admits that the machines have their bad days, but overall, she believes they are top notch. “There is always a vending supervisor on campus. Once a machine does not function more than three times, an alarm goes off and lets us know, so we can go fix it,” Rosenberg said. She says that just because a voucher is refunded, doesn’t mean it’s the machines fault. “We care about the student body. We are the ones that bought you Coke and Pepsi in the same building,” Rosenberg said. “I am
MARK PULASKI / THE REPORTER
Snapshot Twisted Metal: According to a Miami-Dade Police Department report, a 1995 Ford Mustang crashed into a bus stop on the intersection of East Road and Kennedy at North Campus. The vehicle attempted to make a left turn from the outermost lane, clipping a 2006 Jeep Commander before careening out of control. No injuries were reported.
ONE STOP
College Partners With iMentor For Program Single Stop places students who are eligible to receive financial aid in two-year mentoring program. By Kirsten Rincon kirsten.rincon001@mymdc.net Maria Fernandez, 45, a mother of three, struggles financially to support her family while pursuing a college degree. “It becomes very frustrating when you can’t make ends meet for your kids,” Fernandez said. Fortunate for her and other struggling students, Miami Dade College has partnered with an organization called iMentor to form a Single Stop mentoring program. The program places first-year students, who are eligible to receive financial aid, in two-year mentoring relationships to provide additional support and encourage them to continue their studies. Fernandez learned about the mentoring program when she came across a flyer on campus. “I immediately became interested in finding out a way I would be able to become a part of the program,” Fernandez said. “Once I got started in my first one-on-one session with a mentor, they did a screening on me which would verify if I was eligible for any kind of financial assistance.” Mentors and mentees get to know each other through weekly emails and monthly group events.
Events include career planning sessions, financial counseling sessions, and various other college workshops. “The Single Stop Mentoring program provides role models for students and allows them to receive benefits, screenings, and counseling all in efforts to make it easier to continue pursuing a college education,” said program coordinator Stevenson Charlot. Because of the support Single Stop provided, Maria has been able to remain in school. “I received Medicaid, which made doctor’s care possible for my son, $400 in food stamps, which was a relief because I had been spending $400 a month on medicine for my son, and health insurance for my children,” Fernandez said. The Single Stop program has helped Julio Cohen, 22, spend more time in school and less time working a minimum-wage job. “It has helped not only me but
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my family, and allowing us to not having to worry whether their will be food on the table,” Cohen said. “I don’t have to seek such a high paying job during school, which enables me to focus on my classes better.” Cohen now receives legal services, food stamps, benefits from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is a federally funded program that provides support to needy low-income households for utility bill payments and a financial counselor. “Had it not been for this program I would not have been able to continue attending college with the hopes of providing better futures for not only myself but my family,” Fernandez said. To find out more about becoming a part of MDC’s Single Stop Mentoring program, visit: https://mdcsinglestop. imentorinteractive.org/.
Aquatic and Fitness Center Membership Prices As of Sept. 1, the wellness centers at North, Kendall and Wolfson, new membership prices have been implemented. Only North and Kendall Campuses offer aquatic memberships. p/t: Part-time f/t: Full-time Fitness Membership Only
Monthly
Term
Yearly
Credit Students (p/t and f/t)
$10
$30
$60
Employees/Retirees (p/t and f/t)
$20
$60
$120
Others
$30
$90
$180
Aquatic Members Only
Monthly
Term
Yearly
Credit Students (p/t and f/t)
$10
$30
$60
Eployees/Retirees (p/t and f/t)
$20
$60
$120
Other
$30
$90
$180
Fitness/Aquatic Membership
Monthly
Term
Yearly
Current Students (p/t and f/t)
$20
$50
$100
Eployees/Retirees (p/t and f/t)
$40
$100
$200
Other
$60
$150
$300
CAMPUS CRIME LOG *All Public Safety offices maintain a daily log listing all reported crimes. The log lists the date, time reported, time occurred, general location, and disposition, if this information is known at the time the incident is logged. The daily crime log is available for public inspection during at the all campuses’ Public Safety department.
Sept. 2, 2011, Bus Stop Suspicious Person —————————————— Sept. 1, 2011, Parking Garage 2 Motor Vehicle Theft —————————————— Sept. 1, 2011, Bldg. M Vandalism
KENDALL
Sept. 12, 2011, East Rd. Accident/ motor vehicle —————————————— Sept. 7 2011, Lot 15 Accident/ motor vehicle —————————————— Sept. 6 2011, Lot 15 Theft from vehicle
Sept. 13, 2011, Bldg. 5000 Lost or Stolen Item —————————————— Sept. 12, 2011, Bldg. 6000 Larceny/ Petit Theft —————————————— Sept. 6, 2011, Lot 12 Hit & Run —————————————— Sept. 4, 2011, Main Entrance Vandalism ——————————————
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aware of students going and getting vouchers that they don’t deserve. At the end it’s a theft of corporate funding, and fortunately we have a budget for that.” Irmina Diaz, a teller at the North Campus bursar’s office, says the vouchers always finish fast. She said that on Sept. 8, 22 vouchers were requested in less than two hours. “It really depends on the day, but the vouchers always go quickly,” Diaz said. However, Rosenberg says the machines are of high caliber. “Its a computer, you cant blame a company over a technological glitch,” Rosenberg said. Elysee says she has reduced the amount of items she buys at the vending machines. “I don’t have time for it,” Elysee said. “I also can’t afford to be left dollar-less every time.”
NORTH
WOLFSON Public safety logs have not been updated for the month of September.
FAU Day
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE NOV. 15
Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus 8FEOFTEBZ 0DUPCFS t B N o Q N In front of MDC’s Admissions Office This is your opportunity to learn about our programs, the admissions process, scholarships, on-campus activities, student services and so much more!
Join us for FREE refreshments & giveaways. WWW FAU EDU ADMISSIONS s
SEPT. 19, 2011 | NEWS
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Student Spotlight
Student Goes From Doctor To Nurse Andres Quevedo, a student at Medical Campus, trains to be a nurse after being a doctor in Venezuela. By Melissa Adan and Paola Asencio Melissa.adan001@mymdc.net With a budding career as a doctor, Andres Quevedo’s future in Venezuela seemed set— to the outside world. But Quevedo, 31, wasn’t satisfied. “There is no one single reason why I moved to the U.S.,” Quevedo said. “In a period of 10 years my family was robbed 10 times. If I stayed in Venezuela there would be no future for me.” Today, Quevedo’s future is as a nurse. He earned an associate in arts degree in pre-nursing and an associate in science degree as a registered nurse this past spring semester from Miami Dade College. He started his bachelor of science degree in nursing this fall at the Medical Center Campus. Quevedo expects to graduate by the summer of 2012. “I’m just doing what I love and what I think is right and even if I make mistakes the thing is to keep going and not quit,” Quevedo said. The road has not been easy for Quevedo. Quevedo began studying to be a doctor when he was 18 years old. Six years later, he started working at an outpatient health care center and then moved to a general hospital working as a resident in the obstetrics and gynecologist area
and the emergency room. “My parents were really concerned with my future not only because of political and economic problems [in Venezuela] but because there is no safety there, not even at our home or jobs,” Quevedo said. In 2008 Quevedo left Venezuela and moved to Miami. His aim was to re-validate his degree and continue his career in the health care system. Six months after Quevedo’s move to Miami he was still feeling lost. It was not until his cousin was hospitalized with motion sickness that he found his new path. “That’s when I saw what nurses do,” Quevedo said. “The nurse is the main link from the patient to the doctor and that’s what I love to do.” Shortly after, Quevedo began visiting local colleges and universities in South Florida. “When I visited MDC they were the only higher education system who opened the doors and gave me the opportunities to start something,” Quevedo said. The College accepted some of his previous credits from Venezuela and he began his studies with hopes of being accepted into MDC’s nursing program. In the fall of 2008, Quevedo enrolled at North Campus. But the first time he applied for the nursing program, he was not accepted. After Quevedo’s first semester, he decided to get involved on campus by joining the Student Leader Council at North, where he served as a mentor to freshmen. Quevedo
akeem brunson / The Reporter
Long Road Back: Andres Quevedo, 31, was a doctor in Venezuela. Currently a student at the Medical Campus, Quevedo is training to become a nurse after restarting his medical career in the United States. also joined the Student Government Association, serving as a senator. At Medical Center Campus he served as SGA president during the 2010-11 school year. Quevedo is currently a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college student honor society. He is also a member of the National Student Nursing Association. “I got involved with student activities because it doesn’t make sense to go to school and go home,” Quevedo said. Quevedo reapplied after the spring semester in 2009 to MDC’s
nursing school. He was rejected again, but was accepted after his third attempt. He credits his Brother, Oswaldo Quevedo, for keeping him on track. “We would do anything for him,” Oswaldo said. “Whatever he needs, we are all here for him.” Quevedo has also received support from those he has met during his journey at MDC. “Andres is a true leader, a knowledgeable, dedicated medical professional; a friend to everyone, and a mentor to many,” said Lorraine Hahn, Student Life director
at Medical Center Campus. Quevedo sees himself working at a hospital or a nursing home in the future. “It’s a long term goal to re-validate my degree as a medical doctor, but right now I am enjoying nursing school and the nursing world,” Quevedo said. “People see it as if I am going back a step but it’s a misconception, there are so many things you can do as a nurse. It’s not just pushing an IV and giving oral medication, it is more than that. It’s about improving the lives of patients.”
Student Spotlight
Student By Day and Model By Night Rachel Serrano balances pursuing a modeling career along with majoring in Education at Miami Dade College. By Melissa Adan Melissa.adan001@mymdc.net Not many Miami Dade College students can call Rebecca Romijn, Natasha Bedingfield, and Kendall Jenner their peers, but Kendall Campus student Rachel Serrano can. Serrano, 19, is signed to the same agency as the aforementioned models. She is in her fourth year with Whilemina Models, a Miami, New York and Los Angeles based model management company. “After I started modeling I hated it,” said Serrano, an education major. Serrano has modeled for more than 40 big name companies such as Aeropostale, Payless, Nordstrom, Kohl’s and GUESS. She has appeared on three magazine front-page covers: Woman’s World, SHAPE Germany, and French magazine Modes & Travaux. It all began three years ago when Serrano heard a radio advertisement for The Model Expo. “Since I was little I was told how
richard pizarro / The Reporter
Model Student: Rachel Serrano, 19, a student at the Kendall Campus and a fashion model, has appeared in various campaigns and publications for brands such as Aeropostale, Kohl’s and Nordstrom. tall and skinny I am so, I thought maybe I should do it,” Serrano said. “My parents and I went to The Model Expo and I was in a bad mood because I had been invited to go to the Keys that weekend and would have rather been there than at the expo.”
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The expo was held at the Radisson Hotel. Prospective models walked down a runway. After Serrano walked her first runway, she was handed a card to attend the Deauville hotel in Miami Beach. Out of the nearly 1,000 boys and
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girls who attended the Expo, Serrano was one of 50 who was asked to stay for the final round. The last round required the hopeful models to walk across a stage with their pictures in hand as modeling agencies such as Ford, Elite and Whilemina Models were present. In the weeks that followed Serrano interviewed with Whilemina Models. She was invited to the Miami agency on South Beach. In October 2008 she signed a two-year contract. Then in 2010 she signed with New York Whilemina Models. “Rachel genuinely does not think that what she does is a big deal,” said Serrano’s best friend of four years, Sarah Hennis, 23. “She is caring, nurturing, trustworthy, and very friendly.” Serrano spent her first few months doing test shoots and castings, not fully satisfied with her decision. “I would go to castings and go home and start crying,” Serrano said. “I hated it, I was used to a certain lifestyle, I wanted to go to a party, go eat dinner with my friends but no, I couldn’t because I had work.” In early 2009 she landed her first modeling job for Kohl’s; shortly after, she was shooting advertisements for Nordstrom. Her career
skyrocketed when she was cast for Aeropostale’s fall 2011 national campaign. “Now that I am older and I understand, I’m thankful for [modeling],” Serrano said. “I’m thankful that I have opportunities to see how other people live and experience a different lifestyle.” Serrano has modeled for Seventeen Magazine and Spanish Vogue. She is also expected to appear on a fragrance commercial for GUESS airing in Paris in 2012. Despite all of her accomplishments, Serrano’s friends say she has remained level-headed. “She doesn’t even want to talk about [modeling]; it’s not who she is, it’s what she does,” Hennis said. “The industry she is in only lasts for a little while, but she’s keeping her dreams in the right place.” Serrano has two dreams: To become a Victoria Secret model and she aspires to open a daycare. She is currently involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, where she is a ‘big sister’ to a sixyear-old boy. Despite all her outside interests, Serrano has remained focused on her modeling career. “This is what you see on TV,” Serrano said. “I’m living the lifestyle that girls wish they could live.”
8 THE REPORTER | SEPT. 19, 2011 VOICES FROM SEPTEMBER 11 Below are accounts of people with unique perspectives on the events that transpired on September 11.
I was 14 and was only blocks away from the World Trade Center. It was shocking and very real and monumental in my life. I remember that whole day. It was something I’ve never felt, a feeling to be living through such a time in history and it being so serious. I ended up sneaking out of my school. On the way home I was walking when I stopped at a restaurant and saw the footage. I just couldn’t believe it was happening, I thought it was unreal. But oh, it was real.”
REMEMBERING S
REFLECTIONS: SE Miami Dade College held remembrance ceremonies for September 11’s tenth anniversary at all eight campuses on Sept. 8 and 9. North Campus unveiled two World Trade Center steel artifacts that will remain as memorials in the building 4 rotunda and the School of Fire Science.
————————————————————————————— Wilson Hernandez is a 24-year-old Wolfson Campus history major. Hernandez attended High School of Communication Arts in New York City when the the towers were attacked. He most recently attended Borough of Manhattan Community College and transferred to Miami Dade College this August. He is a columnist for The Reporter.
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Reflecting: A guest reflects on September 11 while the two steel artifacts from the World Trade Centers are unveiled at the North Campus on Sept. 9.
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At Attention: Students of Miami Dade College’s Police Academy stand in silence as guests attend the unveiling of two steel artifacts from The World Trade Center on Sept. 9. The artifacts will serve as memorials at the North Campus.
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Memorial: Cadet Andres Merchan salutes the 9/11 memorial at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. Honoring his fellow Americans who passed along with the soldiers who have died since then at war.
A lot of good men didn’t come back. I will always remember the day we went into war. I will always remember my friend, Kyle Marks, he was my team mate. He died in Afghanistan in 2009. Every 9/11 I see his face. He is the reason why I go to school, to Miami Dade. I work really hard because his dream was to go to school; I live that dream for him. I was part of history, and so were those heroes that didn’t come home.”
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Raoul Lopez is a 21-year-old Kendall Campus student. Lopez served in the Army from 2009 to 2010. 2 MONIQUE O. MADAN / THE REPORTER
THE 9/11 GENERATION Miami Dade College students recount where they were when the towers fell.
“I was eleven, and in elementary school. Everybody was getting picked up early from school and I was like when are my parents coming?” ———————————————————————————— Kirsten Castillo, 18, International Relations major at Kendall Campus
“I was in science class and the teacher turned on the TV. I didn’t really understand what was going on.” ———————————————————————————— Joshua Ashley, 20, Criminal Justice major at Kendall Campus
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“At the time I was in third gr I was eight years old. I was by all of the people jumping of the buildings, the fires, th and the explosions.” —————————————————————— Adrian E. Lima, 18, Civil En major at Wolfson campus
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SEPT. 19, 2011 | THE REPORTER 9
SEPTEMBER 11
EPTEMBER 11
rade and terrorized g off of all he crash
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Everything changed that day. This day will be burned into your mind forever. There is always some type of trigger. That Tuesday morning I couldn’t fathom what happened. It was a disorienting experience. My men went up there to help, but didn’t come back…Fire weakens steel. But on that morning, we were bent, not broken. There are lives embedded into those pieces of steel.”
————————————————————————————— John W. Norman is a Retired Deputy Assistant Chief, New York Fire Department. Norman was in the Special Operations Command (SOC) and served as search and rescue manager for the World Trade Center Operations during the attacks.
1 ALAIN BICHOTTE / THE REPORTER
The commuter bus was slow getting into Manhattan and I feared I would be late for work that day. I had to be at my desk at 9 a.m. and it was nearly 8:45 a.m. Moments before the bus entered the Lincoln Tunnel we all saw a ball of flame shoot out of one of the towers. Everyone on the street was yelling that there had been a plane that collided into the tower. I felt trapped and I had nowhere to go. The island was sealed off for fear of terrorists detonating a bridge or a tunnel.”
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Carlos Fernandez is a Kendall Campus Librarian. Fernandez worked 20 blocks from the World Trade Center at the time of the attack. He has been a librarian at the College since January.
column | Ranting Ralph shares his experience as a sixth grader when the attacks on the towers occured. PAGE 14 3 ROBERTO PORTAL / THE REPORTER
“I was eight and being home schooled at the time, so I was just doing schoolwork when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center. I didn’t really understand what was happening at the time and it wasn’t until later that I realized how terrible the situation was.” ———————————————————————————— Javier Miranda, 18, Film major at North Campus
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“I was in fourth grade, and during my English class we were shown on TV what was going on. I can’t say I knew what was happening back then, but later on as I got older I finally understood how serious the situation was.” ———————————————————————————— Christopher Montalvo, 19, Liberal Arts major at North Campus.
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Newcomer: Suramys Acosta, a setter/right side on the Miami Dade College Volleyball hopes to help the Lady Sharks bounce back from a national upset last season and secure the team’s 8th national title.
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Player From Cuban National Team Joins Sharks Volleyball A year after fleeing from Cuba, Suramys Acosta is playing for Miami Dade College’s nationally ranked volleyball team and working toward a better future. By Roberto Portal roberto.portal001@mymdc.net Suramys Acosta had already been imprisoned five times for trying to flee Cuba. Trying to escape a sixth time seemed inevitable. The 24-year-old was successful in reaching the United States on her sixth attempt. “In Cuba I felt oppressed; here I feel free,” Acosta said. “Free to receive a good education and one day, attend a good university. Finally free to help support my family.” Acosta, a former member of the Cuban national volleyball team, has enrolled at Miami Dade College. She is a setter/right side on the Sharks volleyball team that is currently 2-0 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. At 6-foot-2 inches tall, Acosta hopes to help the Sharks
improve on their 35-2 mark last year. Volleyball has been part of Acosta’s life since she was young; she started playing the sport when she was 11-years-old. Her journey to the United States started a little more than a year ago with 29 others on a raft. After spending five days out in the Gulf of Mexico she arrived in Cancun, Mexico. While in Mexico, Acosta said, she was kidnapped along with her brother, Dandy Acosta, and four others. The kidnappers demanded $10,000 for her safe return, before a shootout occurred and she was rescued. Once they were picked up by the Mexican police, they were turned over to immigration authorities. After being informed about the situation, Mexican President Felipe Calderón granted all six victims a humanitarian visa, Acosta said. While there she crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into the United States. Acosta has only been conditioning with the team for six weeks, but she is taking well to her new
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surroundings. She has struck a close bond with Marifranchi Rodriguez, the teams top player. Rodriguez, who is from the Dominican Republican, is considered one of the top middle blockers in the nation. She was named to the 2010 All-America first team, was named the Most Valuable Player at the state tournament, and was selected to the All-State first team. “Out of all the players on the team I can relate to her the most,” Rodriguez said. “Not just because she’s my roommate when we go on the road but because when one of us commits an error the other understands the feeling because having played for national teams we understand the repercussion of committing an error.” Acosta is now looking forward to her future opportunities. “This is a dream,” Acosta said. “This is a country with many opportunities. I look forward to getting an education. My teammates are supporting me and I’m happy. I’m looking forward to getting ahead in life.”
Lady Shark Named Volleyball Player of the Week
VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP
Sophomore middle blocker Marifranchi Rodriguez was selected National Junior College Athletic Association Volleyball Player of the Week for her performance at the Missouri West Plains Invitation Tournament. Rodriguez kicked this season off strong with 39 kills, 32 blocks, 24 digs, and eight aces during two games. The Lady Sharks (2-0) defeated Indian River State College and Palm Beach State College. They are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation.
Sept. 6: The women's volleyball team won their opening game on Sept. 6 over Indian Rive State College. The Lady Sharks swept the competition winning all three sets, 25-15, 25-15, 25-15. Ce’celia Spencer, 5 kills/5 blocks; Marifranchi Rodriguez, 10 kills, 3 blocks, 10 digs, 4 aces; Yukie Futami, 20 digs; Latrice Johnson 4 kills, 6 digs. Sept. 15: The Lady Sharks won their second game of the season on Sept. 15, but this time against Brevard College. Although this game was not a swept, the volleyball women were able to win 2-1 with scores sets of 25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 25-14. Marifranchi Rodriguez, 11 kills/6 blocks, 19 digs, 8 assist, 2 aces; Ce’celia Spencer, 8 kills, 5 blocks; Kayla Dowdell, 6 kills, 9 digs.
—Brittany Esquijarosa
Volleyball Schedule Sept.20 Broward College Sept.27 Indian River State College Oct.4 Palm Beach State College
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Art On Campus
Help a couple make a dream come true
Become an Egg Donor If you are between the ages of 21 and 31, in good health, mature, reliable, and a non-‐smoker, you could join our egg donor pool. Donors undergo a screening process and take injections of fertility medication . Donors of all races and nationalities are wanted.
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We offer an honorarium of $6,000 per donation. Call (305) 596-‐4013 Ask how to become an egg donor. 8950 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 103, Miami, FL 33176 www.miami-‐ivf.com AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER
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Day & Night: The prominent neon lights on the western wall of MDC’s Medical Campus were designed by local artist Jim Morrison, who also created neon-lit palm trees in Miami Beach.
Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus is adorned with a light sculpture created by local artist Jim Morrison. By Stteffanny Cott steffanni.cott001@mymdc.net
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In 2002, prominent local artist Jim Morrison adorned the western wall of Miami Dade College’s Medical Center Campus with a piece titled “Enlightment.” The neon-lit structure brought a taste of South Beach to the heart of Miami’s medical district. In March and April of this year, the artwork was refurbished complete with fresh paint. With its unusually shaped lights, it illuminates the night sky with an infusion of tropical colors that represent the vibrancy and cultural richness of South Florida. The artist, an innovator in his respective field, drew inspiration from images of neuron activity—appropriately given that it adorns the College’s medical headquarters. “Although it is abstract, it brings artistic character to the building” said MDC student Tamar McGregor. Morrison is one of the first artists to utilize lighting and neon as a legitimate mode of art. “No one knew what to think at the time.
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Signage was not regarded as art, but I was inspired by structure and by the capacity of light and colors to transmit emotion,” Morrison said. His pieces have appeared across the city, most notably the neon clad palm trees in Miami Beach which have since become a landmark and a tourist attraction on their own. “The idea of utilizing light, colors and neon as art has since become much more accepted in the artistic community as an art form,” Morrison said. Morrison utilizes fiber optics, neon, LED, and linear lights to achieve his signature pieces. Constructing art that perfectly fits and enhances the ambiance while retaining the buildings character is essential to the artist’s works while conceiving a piece, Morrison said. “The pieces I create contain both a daytime presence as well as a nighttime presence, allowing them to be appreciated whatever the time of day,” Morrison said. For more information on Morrison’s work visit: www.byjimmorrison.com
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NETFLIX RESURRECTION As a new feature in The Reporter, we bring you the Netflix Resurrection, where we recommend and review an independent film from the past that you may have missed. //
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A Romance Wrought With Raw Emotion Blue Valentine, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, takes an in depth look at the rocky beginnings of marriage. By Christian Portilla christia.portilla001@mymdc.net
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Snapshot Book Fair: Created by Ye Hongxing, the official poster for the Miami International Book Fair was unveiled Monday, September 12 at the City Hall Restaurant.
Blue Valentine, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, is about the ups and downs of an intense and raw romance, from its chance beginning to its abrupt demise. The movie is filmed in a style that alternates between the past and the present in a non-synchronized manner. Watching the film, it becomes evident that the present has been affected by the notso-distant past. The romance in this film is raw and sincere; it’s like following a couple without their knowing they are on camera. After the loss of their dog, Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams) decide they need to get away. They settle in a run-down motel and have the option to choose between two themed rooms, Cupid’s Cove and the Future Room. The
couple decides to stay in the Future Room—which they describe as resembling a robot’s vagina— rather than settling in Cupid’s Cove, where they would be forced to feel cheesy. It’s interesting that they choose Future Room because it seems as if the relationship does not have a future because of the couple’s lack of communication and intimacy. You may want to watch this movie in the company of a significant other. For the viewers who are more in tune with their emotional side, a box of tissues would not be a bad idea. I don’t suggest watching Blue Valentine on family night because it will lead to awkward moments due to the steamy sex scenes. It took director Derek Cianfrance 12 years to make this movie. Cianfrance is currently working on another indie film, The Place Beyond the Pines, which began filming in July. The movie is expected to be released in 2013. Blue Valentine —Directed by Derek Cianfrance; co-Scripted by Joey Curtis & Cami Delavigne— Starring Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams & Faith Wladyka —112 mins, premiered in 2010 at the Sundance Film Festival.
Student Spotlight
MDC’s Got Talent An elite group of dancers among Miami Dade College’s student population made the top ten finalists on the nationally broadcasted show, America’s Got Talent. By Brittany Esquijarosa Britt.esquijarosa001@mymdc.net Five Miami Dade College students were part of a dance group that was a top ten finalist on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent. The group was eliminated in week 15 of the competition on Sept. 7. Nearly 100,000 acts tried out for the competition. The dancers are: Daniel Garcia, 18, Anmaree De Santino, 19,
Jennifer Bazail, 20, Joseph De Santino, 22, and Manuel Castro Jr, 25. They were part of a 24 member ensemble known as the Miami All Stars. Two of the students are in the Honors College at Miami Dade College. “It’s good to see academically talented kids also have other talents,” said Sandra Martinez, the director of the Honor’s College at North Campus. “Passion is what makes students driven.” The dance team, which was originally known as Dance Town, was persuaded by producers to audition for the show. During their three-week stay, the dancers practiced several times a day, did interviews, and
Courtesy of NBC Universal
Talent Squad: The Miami All Stars, which includes 5 MDC students, were voted top-ten finalists on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent. www.mdc.edu/thereporter
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performed live. They showcased a variety of styles of dance such as: Salsa, Swing, Contemporary, Jazz, and Ballroom. “The performance aspect was taken to a whole other level,” De Santino said. “This wasn’t the show where ‘abuelito’ and ‘abuelita’ went to go see us. This time, we had all of America watching.” Manny and Lory Castro, owners and directors of Dance Town, have been the team’s coaches, mentors, and teammates since 2003. “Dance Town is where we all met and became a family. Manny and Lory are the masterminds behind the production and have created true dancers in all of us,” Garcia said. The dancers have competed in several dance competitions across America, as soloists and as a unit including the New York City Dance Alliance, West Coast Dance Explosion, and Starpower. The team contributes their success to their diversity. The group ranges in age from 13 to 43, and includes members from 20 different ethnic backgrounds. Members include a husband and wife, a father and son, cousins, nephews, sisters, and brothers. For the Miami All Stars, dance is not only a hobby, but a lifestyle, and the show was the opportunity of a lifetime. “We got to live the dream,” De Santino said. “Even if for a little while.”
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Fools For Love: Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play a troubled couple in the 2010 independent drama Blue Valentine.
Jazz At Wolfson Kicks Off New Season Miami Dade College’s Art and Philosophy department will be commencing their 14th seasonal Jazz at Wolfson Presents series at noon on Sept. 21 at the Wolfson Auditorium in Building 1, Second Floor, Room 1261. The series will kick-off with MDC’s Jazz Faculty Quintet, which features some of South
Florida’s leading musicians, such as saxophonist Ed Calle, guitarist and series director Dr. Michael Di Liddo, pianist Jim Gasior, bassist Rick Doll, and drummer Rodolfo Zuniga. The series will extend through April 18, with several other musical performers slated to perform. The show is open to the public, free of charge. —Brittany Esquijarosa
14 FORUM | SEPT. 19, 2011
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NUTRITION
Healthy Eating Tips For On-the-go Students Here are some tips on how to make small changes in your diet that will benefit you in the long run.
By Ariadna Bu ariadna.bu001@mymdc.net College students are not known for good eating habits. Healthy foods are not included in most students priorities. Usually, a slice of pizza, a hamburger and a cup of coffee or soda are enough for students to think that they have acquired the necessary energy for the day. Most students simply don’t feel they have time to dedicate to their nutrition. In addition, stress, anxiety, and homesickness lead to poor eating decisions, which might end up in weight gain. In some cases, these bad eating habits affect the academic performance of students and bring other negative consequences in the future. Nevertheless, students can overcome this issue and make healthy food decisions. If you do not know where to start, because it is hard for you to avoid the temptations of vending machines, fast food, and energy drinks, here are some tips that may help. 1Avoid or minimize Processed food and excess sugar Oxidized fat and high heat cooking
Do not skip any meal of the day— breakfast, lunch, or dinner. All of them are important, because they provide you with the necessary nutrition and energy to stay alert in class. 2Breakfast The First meal of the day, and the most important for a good day beginning. Keep it simple but nutritious. Replace the large amounts of coffee in the morning with: Low-fat/ fat free yogurt, soil milk. Fresh fruits, such as strawberries, berries and bananas. Healthy cereal—not too many calories. Whole- grain rolls, bagels. 3Lunch The Second meal of the day, which students skips frequently or do not get the proper food. Make it easy, but delicious. Replace your hamburger and chocolate chips cookies with: A turkey and tomato sandwich. A granola bar, fresh fruits—apples, kiwis and grapes. Vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and broccoli with fat free dressing. Mashed eggs.
September 11
My Sixth Grade Eyes Ranting Ralph tells of his experience witnessing Sept. 11 in his middle school classroom.
By Rafael Tur rafael.tur001@mymdc.net I was an 11-year-old, sixth grader sitting in my vocabulary class when the first plane hit. The classroom television was quickly turned to Fox News where the sight of New York ‘s skyline bled smoke. Those images quickly made school irrelevant. At that very moment, the carnage looked like an accident, a freak act of destruction. The puzzled TV anchors were reporting the incident as just a plane crash,
and for a moment, the images on the TV were nothing more. My classroom filled with excitement and questions concerning the images of devastation coming from downtown Manhattan. But when a second 747 hit the second tower, it was clear that this was no accident. It was a strategically planned attack. The fact that there was nothing to do but dig in the rubble for survivors and then mourn was a paralyzing truth to any kid who hoped war would stay in the history books. From that day forward, our comfort level changed forever. My only real question was “Why?” Here in Miami, 1,288 miles from the twin towers, every TV replayed the images of that morning, and anyone who watched it understood the dynamics. Ten years later the war is still being fought and there is little evidence of any success, but I, as an American, put those prospects
But when a second 747 hit the second tower, it was clear that this was no accident. aside when I remember the events of that sunny blue Tuesday. There was no choice against that war; just like there was no choice against digging in the rubble for survivors moments after the two buildings fell like a house of cards. Kids my age will never forget the images of that day; horrible things I’d rather not list here. We can only hope that the chance for world peace during our lifetime didn’t fall with the towers.
4Dinner Several studies have proven that eating two to three hours before bed time make us gain a large percent of weight. Consequently, it is necessary to pick carefully what to eat between those hours. Make it healthy but delicious. Replace large amounts of pasta, rice and beans with: Vegetable pizza. Warm asparagus salad with oranges. Grilled tilapia or salmon. Chicken with apricot sauce.
QUICKFIRE Eddie Murphy Posed To Make A Comeback
Super Win: Comedy Central Roasts Charlie Sheen
Eddie Murphy may be on the verge of a comeback. With rumors swarming the Internet that Murphy might host the Oscars, it was officially announced that he will host the 84th Academy Awards. It comes as no surprise that Brett Ratner, who just finished directing Tower Heist with Murphy, is producing the Oscar telecast. Will we see the Eddie Murphy we’ve come to know and love from his famous comedy shows, Raw and Delirious? Murphy has been planning to return to stand-up for years, and this is just might be the way to revamp a career that has been plagued by such 2000s classics such as, Norbit and The Adventures of Pluto Nash, (which both have a combined score of 15% on Rotten Tomatoes). Murphy’s last Oscar appearance was in 2006 when he stormed out of the Oscars for not receiving the Best Supporting Actor Award, which in my opinion, he totally deserved. My only hope is that Murphy’s hosting of the Oscars reminds us of when Murphy was considered the funniest man on the planet.
It looks like Charlie Sheen is going to be “winning” again (but we hope not). The actor-gone-failedstand-up-comedian is coming back for one night when Comedy Central features him as their “roastee” on the “The Roast of” series. Celebs that will be roasting him include: Jeffrey Ross, Jackass star Steve-O, Mike Tyson and more. Joining in as the roast master is Family Guy Creator Seth MacFarlane. The roast will air on Monday, Sept. 19 at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central. But it doesn’t end there. One hour before, will be the premiere of season 9 of Two and a Half Men on CBS. Jon Cryer and Angus Jones are returning to set, but Sheen isn’t. Ashton Kutcher was named as Sheen’s replacement. Kutcher says that getting the gig is “like winning the lottery.” Sheen was fired by Warner Bros. back in March from the show due to “failing to continue with his rehabilitation program,” according to a letter from Warner Bros. Two and a Half Men will premiere Monday, Sept.19 at 9 p.m.on CBS.
—Richard Pizzaro
—Brandon Lopez
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First Car
Tips For Buying Your First Car So you’re looking for a used car, nothing fancy or flashy, just something with four wheels and motor (and hopefully doors). I’m sure you’ve considered the usual, Civics, Accords, Corollas, Camrys, Golfs, but have you ever considered what it takes to buy the right one? Sure, anybody with $2,000 can buy a car, but someone with $2,000 who knows what they’re doing can buy a great car. Follow these tips and maybe you won’t have to take the bus anymore. —Elias Cruz 1Do your research Figure out what you want to buy. I’ve seen this mistake made too many times. A young person with a small fortune goes out to buy their first car based on how cool the car looks and nothing else. Before they know it, they are stuck with a lemon. Find out how much parts cost, and find out how safe and reliable the car is. 2Bring a friend How many time have you been shopping and you see something you want but your friend convinces you not to buy it because it’s broken or it’s not worth the money? Well, imagine that scenario but instead of a pair of sunglasses or a dress, it’s your first car. A friend is an extra set of eyes. 3Check the A/C You live in Miami. Don’t forget it’s usually hotter than the surface
of the sun here. Check the A/C if you don’t want to melt into your seat and never be found again. Make sure the compressor is still in good condition and that the car has plenty of freon. Drive it with the A/C full blast and cycle through the settings to make sure they all work. Remember to check the heater, because you know, it gets cold for about three weeks in Miami. You gotta stay warm too. 4Know what you’re using the car for Figure out what you’re going to be doing with your car before you buy it. If you’re going to drive it from your house to school and back four days a week, then not touch it Friday through Sunday, don’t buy something super fast or fancy. Now if you need something to get you to school, work, and home, buy something with great gas mileage, good safety ratings,
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and a reliable reputation. 5Test drive The final test has come. Before you even turn on the car check the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator level, coolant level and battery terminals. Turn on the car and let it warm up and listen for strange noises. Once you feel ready, take off, drive the car the way you would usually drive a car. Just try not to break the car. There are many more tips for buying a good used car. Things like checking the mileage, checking the tires, checking the trunk and the under the trunk liner. Go online and do more research ———————————————————————————— Of course, having the car checked by a mechanic would be smart too. Be safe and have fun, or you’ll end up back on the bus.
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How to not only avoid the dreaded first year weight gain, but create a healthy, active lifestyle within a busy schedule.
By Jessica Medina jessica.medina008@gmail.com Most college student have heard about the infamous “Freshman 15” and it’s consequences on the body and mind of students during their first year on campus. The buzz about these extra pounds has filled the halls of numerous campuses, but nobody seems to be talking about how to prevent it. It is completely normal to gain a few pounds as your body matures with age, but there are certain college activities that increase weight gain. For starters, it’s probably best to
identify the problem before working toward a solution. What exactly is the cause of the weight gain? What drastic changes are made in the first year of college that could be the root of the problem? Luckily, Miami Dade College student do not have to endure eating from a meal plan while living in dorms. However, most students are also part-time students and extreme multi-taskers. Cafeteria-style food or fast food in general, while very convenient for students on deadline, can be extremely damaging in the long run. In the case of big city students living at home it seems lack of proper rest is an even bigger problem. Unbeknownst to most young adults sleep deprivation lowers the level of leptin, a hormone controlling energy output which in turn controls appetite. Therefore, lack of sleep can drive the body to crave more food for energy. For the overachievers, sometimes the same students who are sleep deprived, increased stress levels may increase appetite as well. But the predominant cause of weight gain among college students is the increased intake of alcohol. Too often, young adults, of legal drinking age, forget alcohol is packed
with unwanted calories. How can this inevitable weight gain be prevented? Although this might seem like the correct question to ask, it’s important to remember being healthy all the time should be the main concern. Counting your calories may seem too tedious for a busy student. The best advice is to cut down on snacking. While grabbing a quick bite before work might not hurt you, being a repeated offender of snacking can eventually be a contributing factor to packing on pounds. Studies show the best way to keep the extras pounds from creeping up on your busy life is to organize your schedule and create an active lifestyle. Most universities and colleges, including MDC, have a gym.. Attending every day isn’t necessary. In fact, it’s been proven students who go to the gym with a buddy three times a week can effectively stay in shape. Creating an active lifestyle can be hard with such a busy schedule, but once the habit is started it becomes necessary. Being victim to the unnecessary “freshman 15” isn’t part of the college curriculum, don’t incorporate it into yours.
VOX POPULI: THE FRESHMAN 15s “My experience with the freshman fifteen started off as gaining weight at first because of stress and homework.” ———————————————————————————— Krysten Alvarez, 19, Education major at Wolfson Campus.
“I’ve definitely gained the freshman 15; it doesn’t show though my pants size hasn’t gone up. I just enjoy eating junk food way too much; I hate salad.” ———————————————————————————— Jennifer Canales, 19, Nursing major at North Campus.
“I haven’t weighed myself this year, but I’m eating more on my free time. ———————————————————————————— Adrian de Quesasa, 18, Pre-Med Major at Kendall Campus.
“I’ve definitely only gained weight during my college years. I just only eat fast food.” ———————————————————————————— Edwin Benson, 23, student at Kendall Campus.
Monique O. Madan Editor-in-Chief
Mark Pulaski Wolfson Campus Bureau Chief / A&E Editor Melissa Adan Kendall Campus Bureau Chief / Briefing Editor Jessica Medina Forum Editor
Art Department ——————————— Lazaro Gamio Interim Art Director Gregory Castillo Photo Editor Akeem Brunson Multimedia editor Josue Molina Videographer Sebastian Restrepo, Rocio Sevilla | Designers
Issue Staff ——————————— Igor Arigbay, Paola Asencio, Steve Atlas, Alain Bichotte, Ariadna Bu, Stteffanny Cott, Elias Cruz, Alexandra Dalpe, Brittany Esquijarosa, Annaliese Garcia, Morena Guerrero, Brandon Lopez, Maria Moscoso, Richard Pizzaro, Roberto Portal, Christian Portilla, Luis Prieto, Gabriela Reyes, Kirsten Rincon, Jael, Teme, Ralph Tur, Tacara Turner, Paul Vila Manolo Barco Media Adviser B mbarco@mdc.edu T NORTH.........................(305) 237-1255 T KENDALL......................(305) 237-2323 T WOLFSON....................(305) 237-3477
Bureaus ——————————— The Reporter welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. Writers must include their full name, contact number, campus, student number, and e-mail address. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing for purposes of brevity and clarity. Letters can be sent via e-mail to mdc.thereporter@gmail.com, with the subject “letter to the editor.”
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